Stunted teeth

Nepal holds the dubious distinction of being one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Often it is found that only those colluding with corrupt officials can get their work done. These fraudulent dealings are so widespread that people are often led to believe that they are inevitable. These may be in the form of cash or kind or favors. Despite rampant corruption taking place and the open flouting of the law, little action is taken against such racketeers. As a result, those indulging in corrupt practices manage to go scot-free and continue their nefarious activities. The government has, half-heartedly, come up with a number of steps to seek out the corrupt and to take action against them. Though it has made it mandatory for government officials to give details of the property owned by them, this requirement is making little impact for it is found that some of the corrupt who hold high positions in the government machinery defy the government by not submitting the details. Although the government warns that strong action will be taken against those not giving these information it is only but a hollow threat.

Thus, commissions like the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) have been formed to probe such irregularities. The CIAA had started its works with a bang and it was widely believed that would do something concrete in the anti-corruption movement. However, on review of the performance, the CIAA has not been able to meet the expectations of the people. It was found that even genuine cases of corruption went unpunished, apparently because of loopholes in the law. Although the CIAA might have had strong cases against the offenders, the culprits were

able to get off the hook because of these. This must have been very frustrating for the CIAA officials

who must have worked very hard to probe and expose the corrupt. Besides, the CIAA is known to

be facing from a leadership crisis. Even three years

after the retirement of the Chief Commissioner

the post is still vacant with an Acting Chief Commissioner taking up the responsibility who will be retiring shortly after which the CIAA may face further leadership crisis. It behooves on the government to fill the post as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the political imbroglio the country is embroiled in has delayed the appointment.

Meanwhile, all concerned should take concerted action in order to curb corruption. In this campaign the executive, legislative and civil society should work in tandem to bring the guilty to book. Furthermore, when the evidences against the corrupt

are irrefutable the courts should not be quashing the cases on technical ground as is frequently being done. These will only convey negative messages to the public and even make people wonder if the corrupt enjoy impunity through their association with those in the higher echelons of power. There can be no second thoughts about the need to punish the corrupt so as to deter them and others from such unethical practices. Finally, it is felt that the jurisdiction of the CIAA needs to be extended to include the private sector as well for here too we find massive corruption taking place.

Silly smiles

It might not have been something out of the blue, but it definitely has everyone talking of it as being quite a blow. What is being indicated is the sudden increase in the load shedding hours (from 28 to 51 hours a week) from yesterday. For one thing, the electricity users have seen 16/18 hours of power cuts merely a year ago. In fact, human memory is quite short, and 2 hours of load shedding came to be considered as extreme. And now as if to keep pace with the expectations the supplier has fine tuned it to 7/8 hours of power cut a day. As usual the blame has to be squarely shouldered by the low volume of water flow in the rivers. And, who can fight against the dry season that is with us?

The blame game is fine but that will not increase the generation of extra power. It’s been a year since we had the most massive cuts in power supply, yet in this time nothing positive has been worked out. It’s agreed that the electricity clients belong to the minority. When the electricity supply should have reached every household in the country, even that small group is being deprived. It’s a paradox hinging on the inaction of all governments to date.